Demo Volume 2 [Paperback]

Brian Wood (Author), Becky Cloonan (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 29, 2011 | Series: Demo (Book 2)

The sequel to the Eisner-nominated and critically acclaimed graphic novel by writer Brian Wood and artist Becky Cloonan. This new volume takes a ground-level approach to superpowers and features six brand-new standalone stories of conflicted teens grappling with love, loss and the joy of finding their way in life.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Cloonan and Wood return to their anthology series, telling more tales of young mutants who are clearly not superheroes. Instead, their abilities are metaphors, dead weight anchors and the basis for life-changing transitions. These six stories aren't about powerful people but very troubled ones, including a cannibal; a compulsive but charming young woman who lives via instructions on Post-its; a boy who can breathe underwater; and a time traveler who tries to reassure her younger self. Wood writes to explain the characters' outwardly confusing decisions, as they often disappoint themselves but come to terms with living on. Cloonan's art is outstanding, able to evoke worlds instantly and in depth, with structure that supports and underpins the needs of each story, gorgeously stark black and white that isn't afraid of detail. The chapters swing in mood, repulsion alternating with hope (sometimes in the same story). This is the perfect transition book for readers who know superheroes but are looking for a comic more relevant to their lives. (Mar.)
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Review

"what the X-Men would be if they were created today" (CBR)" --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Vertigo (March 29, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1401229956
• ISBN-13: 978-1401229955
• Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 0.2 x 10.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #642,719 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Brian Wood released his first graphic novel, Channel Zero, in 1997 to considerable critical acclaim and has continued to create at a brisk pace ever since. Focusing almost entirely on creator-owned projects, he's become one of the most important indie creators of the last decade. Standout books include his The Couriers and Channel Zero series, Demo, Local and Supermarket. He's earned multiple Eisner Award nominations and editions of his work have been published in close to a dozen foreign markets. Currently under an exclusive contract for DC/Vertigo, Wood continues to write his unique brand of iconoclastic creator-owned work with DMZ, Northlanders, Demo and The New York Four.

Brian lives with his wife and daughter in Ditmas Park, Brooklyn.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fantastic return, May 9, 2011

By 

Nathan Hipple (Virginia) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Demo Volume 2 (Paperback)

Demo vol. 1 was excellent. Demo vol. 2 is, if possible, even better. The art really comes into its own. I appreciate what Becky Cloonan was doing in vol. 1, but her game steps WAY up this time around. And Brian Wood? What more needs to be said about this guy? He's in fine form here, as would be expected. When it comes down to it, this is a fantastic book that I'd wholeheartedly recommend. Issue #3 is quite possibly my all time favorite single issue. The one qualifier I'd give for new fans who haven't read this series before: Don't come in expecting flash and bang. These stories are all about quieter character driven moments. All that said, this is one of Vertigo's best books and as anyone who's ever followed that imprint can attest: That's saying something.

0 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Demo-lished reputation..., September 28, 2011

By 

Alexander P. (Boston, MA---USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Demo Volume 2 (Paperback)

"Awesome," I thought. "Brian Wood is my favorite author, and Demo was one of my favorite books! Can't wait for volume two!"

And, I was wrong. And it's just not me. I share my library with friends and family. Everyone I know absolutely loves the first collection of Demo stories. And they all hate this new collection. It's rushed, it's lacking in emotional depth, it doesn't captivate or intrigue... It's sophomoric at its worst, and tried&true cliche at its best.

The artwork is a lot more detailed than the first volume, but you're buying this for the stories. And they're all lackluster. Which sucks, because some of them have some read potential, especially Daughter/Father story.

In the end, Demo Vol 2 is half as long as its predecessor, and its half as good.